In this episode, I’m sitting down with Nika Maples, someone who played a really meaningful role in my own journey.

What started as a desire to improve my writing turned into something much bigger, and in this conversation, we talk about how that happens more often than we realize. Nika shares how she went from being an English teacher who couldn’t quite figure out how to write a book, to someone who now helps others do exactly that. She breaks down the difference between short-form and long-form writing, and why writing a book requires a completely different kind of endurance.

We talk honestly about what holds people back from writing, especially the feeling that no one wants to hear what they have to say. Nika reframes what many people call “imposter syndrome” and explains why that label doesn’t really fit. She shares practical ways to get started, whether you have no idea what to write about or you already have a topic but feel stuck. From collecting stories from your own life to creating what she calls a “book bank,” she gives simple, doable steps that take the pressure off and help you move forward.

We also talk about writing the hard parts of your story and how to approach that in a healthy, thoughtful way. Nika shares her own experience writing honestly while still honoring the people involved and why slowing down in that process matters.

This conversation is a mix of practical writing advice, encouragement, and a reminder that most of what you need is already in you. You just have to start getting it out on paper.

To find out more about Nika and her work, visit nikamaples.com.

Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

In this episode, I sit down with Van Ton-Quinlivan, CEO and founder of Futuro Health. From arriving in the United States as a refugee at just six years old to becoming one of the top 50 women leaders in healthcare, Van’s journey is one of resilience, courage, and a deep desire to give back. She shares how her early experiences shaped her passion for education and opportunity, and how that passion led her to create a nonprofit that is changing lives by helping people enter the healthcare field without taking on debt.

We talk about the critical shortage in healthcare workers and what’s really behind it, and Von breaks it down in such a simple, eye-opening way. She also shares real stories of people whose lives have been transformed through Futuro Health, reminding us that sometimes all someone needs is a path and a little support to completely change their future.

Van also opens up about taking a leap of faith to start something new, even when fear was present, and how looking back at her own life gave her the courage to move forward. We talk about mentorship, the importance of women supporting women, and what it looks like to step into your “superpowers” when you find something you truly care about.

This conversation is full of encouragement, inspiration, and a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to start something new or make a difference.

To connect with Van, visit https://futurohealth.org/

Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

In this episode of Life Stories: For the Love of Books, I sit down with author and former television producer Claire St. Amant to talk about the fascinating and often intense world of true crime storytelling. Claire spent years behind the scenes working on major investigative television programs like 48 Hours and 60 Minutes, where she helped bring complicated criminal cases to national audiences. In our conversation, she shares what it was really like to be in the middle of those investigations and how the experience eventually led her to write her book.

Claire explains how journaling throughout her life helped her capture the details that would later shape her story. From early morning “morning pages” to reporter’s notebooks filled with notes from courtrooms and interviews, she had an incredible record of the moments that defined her career. Those notes became an important part of telling the story behind the scenes of television crime reporting and the emotional toll that can come with chasing the truth.

We also talk about the persistence it takes to stay in a story when things get difficult. Claire describes herself as someone who doesn’t give up easily, and that determination played a huge role in her work as a producer. She shares how following a story all the way through sometimes led her to unexpected places and how that same mindset helped her transition from television production to writing.

This conversation offers a unique look at the world behind true crime television and the real people working tirelessly to uncover the details of a case. Claire’s journey is one of curiosity, perseverance, and storytelling, and it’s a reminder that sometimes the most powerful stories come from simply refusing to give up.

To connect with Claire, visit https://www.clairestamant.com/

Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, Stephen and Julie Wagstaff share the story behind SwagAbility, a mission born from hardship, faith, and a desire to help others navigate life’s most difficult moments.

After a diving accident at 19 left Stephen a quadriplegic, and decades later a mysterious illness resulted in a seven-month hospital stay, the couple began asking an important question: How can our experiences help someone else who is facing a life-changing moment? What started as a simple online video has grown into a nonprofit focused on encouragement, education, and real relational support for people navigating disability, caregiving, and adversity.

Stephen and Julie open up about the realities of caregiving, including the often-unspoken struggle of caregiver burnout. Julie shares how isolation and lack of communication nearly cost them their marriage, and how learning to ask for help and prioritize self-care transformed their relationship. Together they emphasize the importance of community, honest conversations, and remembering that no one is meant to carry life’s burdens alone.

The couple also discusses their growing podcast network and their mission to walk alongside people dealing with disabilities, illness, grief, and unexpected life changes. Through storytelling, coaching, and practical support, including help accessing assistive technology, SwagAbility seeks to remind people that even in the hardest seasons, purpose, hope, and joy are still possible.

To connect with Stephen and Julie, visit https://swagability.com/

Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

At 24 years old, Asha Mevlana’s life changed forever when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. What could have been a story defined by fear instead became a turning point that gave her permission to live differently. Instead of playing it safe, Asha created a list of everything she had always been too afraid to try—and started saying yes.

That decision led her on an extraordinary journey: moving to Los Angeles to pursue music, touring the world as a violinist, performing with major artists, and eventually becoming the lead violinist for the legendary Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

Along the way, Asha also embraced unconventional adventures—living in a custom tiny house featured on Tiny House Nation, traveling internationally with a community of families while raising her toddler, and documenting her experiences in her new memoir To Hell With No Adventures.

In this inspiring conversation, Asha shares how fear doesn’t disappear—you simply learn to move forward despite it. She also talks about becoming a single mom through surrogacy, surviving a second cancer diagnosis, and how her perspective on success has shifted from chasing achievements to living with more peace and presence.

Her story is a powerful reminder that courage isn’t about being fearless—it’s about taking the next small step, even when it feels uncomfortable.

To find out more about Asha and her work, visit https://www.ashamevlana.com/

Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

Parenting coach and early childhood specialist DJ Stutz joins us to talk about the reality of raising children and why she calls parents “imperfect heroes.” As the oldest of seven siblings, a mother of five, and grandmother of thirteen, DJ has spent a lifetime caring for children and helping families navigate the challenges of parenting.

In this conversation, DJ shares how her journey from raising her own children to teaching kindergarten and working with families in shelters and prisons led her to start helping parents through coaching, workshops, and her podcast, Imperfect Heroes. Her goal is simple but powerful: to help parents rediscover the joy in raising their children.

We talk about why many parenting struggles actually begin with adult expectations and how understanding child development can completely change the way we respond to difficult behavior. DJ explains that discipline isn’t about punishment—it’s about teaching, setting clear boundaries, and creating a sense of safety for kids.

DJ also shares practical advice on improving communication with children, managing big emotions like anxiety, and modeling emotional regulation so kids can learn how to handle their own feelings. Often, the most powerful parenting lessons happen when children simply watch how we respond to stress and conflict.

To find out more about DJ and her books and podcast, visit imperfectheroes.net.

Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

Becoming a mother is one of the most life-changing experiences a woman can have, but it can also feel overwhelming and lonely without the right support.

In this episode, Shara sits down with East Texas doula Lauren Kinnett to talk about what doulas actually do and how they help women feel supported through both labor and the postpartum season. Lauren shares how her own postpartum struggles opened her eyes to the deep need for encouragement, education, and community for new mothers.

Lauren explains that a doula is more than a birth coach. She is someone who provides emotional, physical, and spiritual support during labor. From guiding comfort techniques to praying with moms and helping partners feel confident in the delivery room, Lauren’s goal is to make sure mothers feel heard, prepared, and empowered to make informed decisions during birth.

After experiencing postpartum anxiety herself, Lauren felt called to help other women navigate the challenges that often follow bringing a baby home. She talks about the importance of community, why many mothers feel afraid to ask for help, and how simple support—whether through postpartum visits, conversations, or practical guidance—can make a powerful difference.

Lauren also shares the story behind her mission, “Take the Reins,” inspired by a conversation with her grandfather and strengthened through her faith. Through prayer, personal growth, and life changes, she found her calling to serve women in one of the most vulnerable and beautiful seasons of their lives.

Throughout the conversation, Lauren reflects on the powerful moments she witnesses in the delivery room and why every birth reminds her that this work is exactly where she is meant to be. Her passion for helping women feel confident, loved, and supported shines through every story she shares.

In addition to her doula services, Lauren is helping build community for mothers in East Texas through local gatherings, birth preparation classes, and monthly mom walks. Her goal is simple but meaningful: to make sure no mother feels like she has to go through pregnancy, birth, or postpartum alone.

To connect with Lauren, visit https://www.instagram.com/takethereins.wellness

Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

In this episode of Life Stories, Shara sits down with Patti Shales Lefkos, an adventurous writer, humanitarian, and former educator who proves it’s never too late to follow your calling. After retiring from a 37-year career in education, Patti returned to school at 60 to study journalism and eventually began writing books about her travels and humanitarian work.

Her love for Nepal led her to trek thousands of kilometers through the Himalayas and start a nonprofit helping communities rebuild after the devastating 2015 Nepal Earthquake. Through fundraising, storytelling, and partnerships with local organizations, Patti has helped build schools, rebuild homes, and support education for children in remote villages.

Patti also shares stories from her incredible 800-kilometer trek on the Great Himalaya Trail at age 77, what she has learned about resilience and privilege, and why she believes anyone can make a difference by simply taking one step at a time.

To find out more about Patti's work, visit pattishaleslefkos.com

What happens when the roots of your faith feel shaken?

In this heartfelt episode of Life Stories, Shara sits down with her friend Michelle to talk about her new devotional, Rooted to Become: A 52-Week Devotional. Michelle shares the deeply personal journey behind writing this year-long devotional, including the season of grief after losing her father that left her feeling spiritually uprooted and questioning God.

Through surrender, obedience, and a return to the unchanging truth of God’s Word, Michelle discovered deeper roots than she ever had before. In this conversation, she opens up about battling self-doubt, learning to trust God step-by-step, and why she believes every woman was created with purpose — on purpose.

If you’ve ever questioned God in a hard season, struggled with obedience, or wondered if you’re equipped for what He’s calling you to do, this episode will remind you that growth often begins beneath the surface.

You can order Rooted to Become here: https://shorturl.at/gbnhB or request a signed copy at [email protected].

In this beautiful and deeply practical conversation, Kimberly Deshields-Spencer joins Life Stories to talk about her newest book, It Matters: a guide for entrepreneurs, creatives, educators, and leaders who want to build something meaningful and lasting.

Kimberly shares the personal journey behind the book, including the early career success that left her feeling misaligned and overwhelmed. From walking away from a thriving business in her twenties to pressing pause on a 12-year brand at its peak, she opens up about the courage it takes to realign with who you truly are, even when everything looks successful from the outside.

In this episode, we talk about:

*What “It” really means in It Matters
*Why watered-down leadership leads to frustration
*The danger of chasing appearance over authenticity
*How to know when it’s time to pause, pivot, or end something
*The importance of protecting family while building a business
*Why consistency and small beginnings should never be despised
*Practical ways to recharge and avoid burnout
*How to build something that strengthens, not strains, your home

Kimberly also shares the heart behind her upcoming Behind Her Brand conference and how it’s evolving to help women build with depth, strategy, and intentionality.

This episode is an invitation to slow down, reassess, and remember your why. Because in the end, it’s not just what you build. It’s how you build it that truly matters.

To find out more about Kimberly and her work, visit https://www.uimpact.net/kimberlydeshieldsspencer-1

You can purchase It Matters here: https://shorturl.at/9ZiAg